( iv )
Two[1] principal Religions for many ages divided between them all these countries, which are now blessed with Christianity: Can we comprehend the obligations we owe to the Christian Religion, if we are ignorant from what principles and from what opinions it has delivered us?
I well know that men find employment enough in describing one of these two systems; viz. that of the Greeks and Romans. How many books on their ancient mythology hath not that Religion occasioned? There have been volumes written upon the little petty Divinities adored only in one single village; or accidentally named by some ancient author: The most trivial circumstances, the most inconsiderable monuments of the worship prescribed by that
- ↑ Our Author says Two Religions, meaning, 1. The Polytheism of Greece and Rome, and, 2. The Druidical Religion of the Celts: which last he erroneously supposes to be the same with the Polytheism of the Scandinavians of Gothic Race. The truth is, the ancient Pagan Religions of Europe may be classed more properly thus. 1. The Polytheism of Greece and Rome, &c. 2. The Druidical Religion of the Celtic nations. 3. The Polytheism of the Teutonic and Gothic nations. 4. The Pagan Religion of the Sclavonian nations. And, 5. The low wretched Superstitions of the more northern savages, viz. The Laplanders, Fins, Greenlanders, &c. T.
